Drop, Withdraw & Change Grade Method

After registering and during the semester, you might find yourself wishing to make changes to your class schedule or how courses are graded.

However, consider these important factors before you do anything:

Dropping a class and withdrawing from a class are not the same thing. There are specific deadlines for each and they have different impacts on your transcript, academic standing and tuition bill.

If you decide to change your grade method for a full-term course, your change must be completed before before the “Last day to change grade method on full term courses” deadline listed in the academic calendar for the term. Learn more about the policy on changing the grade methods.

Changing your course schedule or grade methods may set you back in your degree program. Talk to your academic advisor to determine how it affects your graduation timeline.

If you receive financial aid, changing your schedule or grading methods may affect your aid package. Speak with a financial aid counselor before making any changes.

Dropping a Class

A course that is dropped does not show up on your transcript and you are not charged for the course. You can always drop a class before it starts, and you may have additional days to drop depending upon the length of the class.

Drop Deadlines

The specific drop dates are listed in the course details for each class section in Student eServices. Simply click on the name of the class to access this information and scroll to the section on “Add/Drop/Withdraw.”

See the WSU Catalog for the detailed academic policies related to dropping and withdrawing from classes.

Withdrawing From A Class

When you withdraw from a class, the class will be listed on your transcript with a “W” grade designation. Withdrawing will also reduce your completion rate, an important component of your academic standing.

Please make sure to speak with an academic advisor and refer to the course withdrawal checklist. Doing this will help you understand the possible consequences of withdrawing from a class.

Withdraw Deadlines

After the deadline to drop has passed, you may still be able to withdraw from a class. The deadline to withdraw varies depending on the length of the course. The specific dates are listed in the course details for each individual class section in Student eServices. Simply click on the name of the class to access this information and scroll to the section on “Add/Drop/Withdraw.”

See the WSU Catalog for the detailed academic policies related to dropping and withdrawing from classes.

Changing Grade Method

Some courses offer students the ability to select an alternate grading option for the class. Typically, you must earn letter grades in required classes for your major, even if other grading options are available.

For general education classes and electives not required for your major, you may be able to choose a different grading method. See the course details in eServices to determine the grading options available.

Grading Methods

Letter grade: This is the grading method used most often. Letter grades affect both your GPA and completion rate, important components of youracademic status.

Pass/no-credit: Courses taken pass (P) / no-credit (NC) do not affect your GPA because a letter grade is not assigned. However, these courses will impact your completion rate.

Audit: Students seeking an undergraduate degree typically do not audit courses. Audited courses cannot be used to satisfy graduation, enrollment, certification or licensure requirements. Financial aid awards do not cover audited classes, so choosing this option could decrease your aid package. Speak with a financial aid counselor at the Warrior Hub before making this change.

If you decide to change your grade method for a full-term course, your change must be completed before before the “Last day to change grade method on full term courses” deadline listed in the academic calendar for the term. Learn more about the policy on changing the grade methods.